Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) via Advanced Standing

Applicants or students that can providesupporting documentsverifying they have already mastered the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit transfer, through the process of Advanced Standing.

How do I determine which units to seek credit transfer for?

In the 'Course structure' tab, read the Course requirements to become familiar with the blend of units that form the course.

Scroll down to the Advanced Standing information (if applicable), as it will guide you regarding any course specific credit transfer limits;

View the list of units, known as the Schedule of Units. The schedule contains a list of compulsory or core units of study, for example in Part A. Some courses also have major, specialisation or elective unit options shown in other parts;

You should apply for Advanced Standing if you are able to provide a range of supporting documents that verify you have already learnt similar content, can consistently perform unit learning outcome requirements and show the qualities described by the graduate attributes.

Is credit aggregated or awarded for the highest level of learning achieved?

The following case studies demonstrate how the highest level of learning attained influences the amount of credit transfer awarded. Normally, aggregated credit amounts do not apply.

Case Study 1:If a person has completed two cognate (AQF level 4) Certificate IV qualifications, any credit awarded will not be the sum (or aggregate) of the two. For example:

In Case study 1, Certificate IV is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of four (4) units are awarded.

Case Study 2:If a person has completed a cognate (AQF level 4) Certificate IV qualification and progressed to a cognate (AQF level 5) Diploma qualification, any credit awarded will not be the sum (aggregate) of the two. For example:

In Case Study 2 the Diploma is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of eight (8) units are awarded.

Case Study 3:If a person has applied to study the Bachelor of Business and they hold an (AQF level 4) Certificate IV in Business and (AQF level 5) Diploma of Massage Therapy (AQF level 5), the lower Certificate IV qualification is considered cognate in determining the amount of credit transfer awarded for prior learning, as the field of learning in the Certificate IV qualification aligns with that of the Bachelor of Business. Any credit awarded will not be the sum (aggregate) of the two. For example:

INCORRECT

CORRECT

Certificate IV in Business (4 units of credit) + a Diploma of Massage Therapy (8 units of credit) ≠ 12 units of credit awarded into the Bachelor of Business

In Case Study 3, the Certificate IV in Business is the highest level of cognate learning. A total of four (4) units are awarded.

Case Study 4:If a person has completed an (AQF level 4) Certificate IV in Business and has worked full-time as an Operations Manager (at ANZSCO Skill Level 1) for 2 years,which substitutes for holding an (AQF level 6) Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management,any credit transfer awarded will not normally be the sum (aggregate) of the two. Credit will be awarded for the highest cognate learning. For example:

INCORRECT

CORRECT

Certificate IV in Business (4 units of credit) + informal learning deemed equivalent to an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (12 units of credit) ≠ 16 units of credit awarded into the Bachelor of Business

In Case Study 4, the 2 years of informal learning attained on-the-job as an Operations Manager, provides the highest level of cognate learning, equivalent to an Advanced Diploma. A total of twelve (12) units are awarded.

When should I apply for Advanced Standing?

The amount andform of credit transferawarded will determine a student's study plan. Wherever possible, submit an application for Advanced Standingat the same time asapplying for admissioninto your preferred course.

Students wishing to apply for Advanced Standingat a later stage during their studiesshould lodge an application at least one month before the start of a session for course work units and four months prior for industry placement units. This will ensure that recognition of prior learning can be assessed and adjustments made to the study plan in time for enrolling in units.

All requests for advanced standing must be submittedbefore the commencement of a student's final sessionso that course completion and graduation are not unnecessarily delayed.

How do I apply for Advanced Standing?

Australian or New Zealand citizens and humanitarian visa holders should:

How will I be notified of the Advanced Standing outcome?

Applications will be acknowledged by the University upon receipt. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in writing via email or post within one to four weeks, depending on the level of assessment complexity and whether sufficientsupporting documentshave been supplied.

Some Southern Cross courses may be externally recognised or accredited. The University cannot advise on how the granting of credit transfer might impact on your ability to apply for professional recognition or accreditation with professional bodies, organisations or associations. Please view the information about how credit transfer may be overturned (rescinded).

Do I need to accept the credit transfer offered?

Onlyinternational studentsstudying in Australia on a student visa, who have applied for Advanced Standing and been granted credit transferafter the commencement date of the course, are required by theEducation Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Actto acknowledge, in writing, acceptance of the amount of credit transfer granted.

TheAdvanced Standing Acceptance Declaration, supplied with the notification of Advanced Standing, must be signed, dated and returned toSCU Internationalwithin two calendar weeks of the date of the'Advanced Standing Notification'.

Accordingly, SCU International will vary the period of study on the 'Confirmation of Enrolment' (CoE).

What unit credit values and forms of credit transfer apply?

Credit value is the number of credit points awarded towards the successful completion of a unit (or course). For example:

UNIT DESCRIPTION

CREDIT POINTS (CP)

half-weighted unit

6 CP

single-weighted unit

12 CP

double-weighted unit

24 CP

triple-weighted unit

36 CP

quadruple-weighted unit

48 CP

Credit transfer is the total credit value resulting from the Advanced Standing assessment to determine a student's prior learning achievement (what they already know, understand and are able to do) in relation to Southern Cross unit learning outcomes within a course.

Credit Transfer decisions are evidence-based, equitable and transparent, resulting in forms of credit that emulate the course structure and is either:

unspecified units (elective credit points or block credit points;

specified units where the units are named; or

a combination of unspecified and specified units.

Can granted credit transfer be overturned?

If credit has been awarded, you may apply in writing to rescinded (withdraw, overturn or cancel) part or all of this credit.

Requests to Rescind Advanced Standingwill only be approved for sound academic reasons (e.g. you wish to undertake the unit (subject), to change direction in your degree, qualify for professional recognition or accreditation, or undertake anapproved exchange or study abroad program.

Once credit has been rescinded you will not automatically be re-granted that credit.

If you are an International student studying in Australia, please consult your Fee Acceptance Agreement about any refund impacts.

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